The extraordinary bravery, leadership, and professionalism of British Army personnel have been recognised in this year’s New Year Honours List, with 66 Regular and Reserve soldiers awarded for their exceptional contributions at home and abroad.
The accolades, announced in the London Gazette, include recognition for those who demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication during some of the year’s most critical operations.
Among the achievements highlighted are the coordination of evacuation efforts in Sudan, the training of medics and marines for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the establishment of vital counter-drone capabilities in Iraq.
The honours span a wide range of awards, from appointments to the prestigious Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, to the Royal Red Cross and the King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities of the British Army.
Outstanding Leadership Rewarded
Among those honoured are Lieutenant General Tom Richardson Copinger-Symes, who received the prestigious Knight Commander (KCB) title, and Major General Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce of Crionaich, awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
Brigadier Lucinda Caryl Westerman and Major General Oliver Charles Christopher Brown were among those named Commanders of the British Empire (CBE) for their exemplary leadership in the face of immense challenges.
A Roll Call of Excellence
The honours list features outstanding personnel from across the Army, including medics, engineers, logisticians, and intelligence officers. Colonel Sebastian David Burn of the Royal Army Medical Service received an OBE for his contributions to healthcare, while Warrant Officer Class Two Yvonne Angus of the Royal Military Police was awarded an MBE for her dedication to duty.
Significant contributions from reservists were also celebrated, with Lieutenant Colonel Ian Patrick Mills of the Army Reserve recognised for his expertise in logistics and leadership.
Critical Operations Acknowledged
The honours shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked but vital roles played by British Army personnel. Training missions for Ukrainian forces, vital evacuation efforts in conflict zones, and pioneering counter-drone measures are just a few examples of the tireless work recognised this year.
Major General Marc Anthony John McHardy Overton and Brigadier Patrick William Benjamin Wright were among those praised for their leadership in these demanding missions.
Recognition of Medical Excellence
The Royal Red Cross, awarded for exceptional service in military healthcare, was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Rachel Gaal of the Royal Army Medical Service, with Major Paul Amos Simms receiving the Associate award for his extraordinary contributions.
Commitment to Volunteer Service
The King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal highlighted the incredible contributions of reservists such as Lieutenant Colonel Anita Fiona Marina Newcourt and Major Seân Augustine Olohan, demonstrating the invaluable role of reservists in supporting the Army’s mission.
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
This year’s list reflects the Army’s unwavering dedication to protecting Britain’s interests and supporting global peacekeeping efforts. The extraordinary commitment of these 66 individuals is a testament to the strength, skill, and professionalism that define the British Armed Forces.
Defence officials praised the recipients, stating that the awards underscore the vital role played by the Army in addressing the challenges of the modern world. As these heroes receive their well-deserved recognition, their achievements will inspire the next generation of soldiers to uphold the proud legacy of the British Army.
The Army List
Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of The Bath
As Knight Commander (KCB)
- Lieutenant General Tom Richardson Copinger-Symes CBE
As Companions (CB)
- Major General Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR, Army Reserve
- Major General Gerald Ewart-Brookes
- Major General Marc Anthony John McHardy Overton TD VR, Army Reserve
Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
As Commanders (CBE)
- Brigadier Jonathan Godson Eyre Bartholomew OBE
- Major General Oliver Charles Christopher Brown
- Colonel Mark Tyrtoff Davis
- Brigadier Lucinda Caryl Westerman
- Brigadier Patrick William Benjamin Wright
As Officers (OBE)
- Colonel Sebastian David Burn, Royal Army Medical Service
- Colonel Lance Gareth Foster, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Lieutenant Colonel David Charles Groce MBE, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Craig Herberts, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- Colonel Simon Anthony Hirst
- Colonel Anna Elizabeth Kimber
- Lieutenant Colonel Ian Patrick Mills MBE, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
- Brigadier Stuart Edward Nasse
- Colonel Andrew Richard Nicklin MBE, Royal Corps of Signals
As Members (MBE)
- Warrant Officer Class Two Yvonne Angus, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
- Major Roger Thomas Anstey, Army Air Corps
- Colonel Russell Guy Atherton, The Mercian Regiment
- Warrant Officer Class Two Lee Owen Backhouse, Coldstream Guards, Army Reserve
- Warrant Officer Class Two Stewart Baird, The King’s Royal Hussars, Army Reserve
- Warrant Officer Class Two Paul Raymond Barnes, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
- Major James Terence Richard Blakemore, The Rifles
- Sergeant Alan Gary Boyle, The Mercian Regiment, Army Reserve
- Lieutenant Colonel Mark Howard Kearton Bulmer VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve
- Sergeant Michael Andrew Chadwick, Scots Guards
- Captain Edward James Clinton, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel David Joseph Cotton, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
- Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen Douglas, Army Cadet Force
- Major Ian Lindsay Elliott, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
- Captain Olivia Kate Flaherty, Royal Corps of Signals
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Andrew Hugh Giffard, The Life Guards
- Major Cameron George McVean Gubbins, The Light Dragoons
- Captain Daniel Henderson, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
- The Reverend Ann Elizabeth Hitchiner, Chaplain to the Forces (3rd Class) Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, Army Reserve
- Sergeant Gareth Huw Russell Jenkins VR, Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), Army Reserve
- Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Chappell Mallin, Royal Army Medical Service
- Major Sean Patrick Maloney, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Harry Law Michael, The King’s Royal Hussars
- Major Thomas Frederick William Mortensen, Scots Guards
- Staff Sergeant David Andrew Colin Murphy, Royal Tank Regiment
- Lieutenant Colonel Alexander James Rabbitt, The Royal Welsh
- Major David Thomas Rainbow, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
- Major Mark Bryan Roberts, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Major Daniel Mark Rouse, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Sergeant Merini Marilynn Rokowati Helena Sevakasiga, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
- Lieutenant Colonel Adam Michael Shindler, Intelligence Corps
- Major Gemma Elizabeth Simister, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Major Robert James Smith, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
- Major Jonathan George Stewart-Davis, Army Air Corps
- Major Andrew Robert Sutton, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
- Captain Marcus James Waugh, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Major Joshua William Knight Wray, Corps of Royal Engineers
Royal Red Cross
As an Ordinary Member of the Royal Red Cross, First Class
- Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Rachel Gaal, Royal Army Medical Service
As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class
- Major Paul Amos Simms, Royal Army Medical Service
King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal
- Lieutenant Colonel Anita Fiona Marina Newcourt MBE TD VR, Army Air Corps, Army Reserve
- Major Seân Augustine Olohan VR, The Royal Yeomanry
- Colour Sergeant Alan George Taggart VR, The Royal Irish Regiment
- Captain Timothy Young VR, Corps of Royal Engineers
King’s Commendation for Valuable Service
- Corporal Brandon Lee Blackman, Intelligence Corps
- Major Esther Louise Caddy, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Service Branch)
- Warrant Officer Class Two Richard Paul Hood, Intelligence Corps
- Lieutenant Thomas James Alexander Wood, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment
